Shipai

When I arrived in Taipei, I didn't get much of an impression. I headed straight to Matthieu's and Vivi's home, the friends with who I am staying with in Taipei.
The public transport is easy and straightforward, just like Japans. I acquired an EasyCard, the IC-card of Taiwan and got smoothly to Shipai, the closest station to where my friends live.
I got a warm welcome from the couple and their child (well, the child was shy, but that's pretty normal for a 2 year old) and Matthieu and I caught up about what was happening in our lifes. We haven't seen each other for more than 10(?) years, so there was a lot we were talking about.
Matthieu grew up in France and Switzerland, but started working in Australia when he was 18 and later on would go to Taiwan to learn Chinese, heading back to Switzerland for some time before doing his Bachelor in Taiwan, getting a job in a foreign company and staying in Taiwan.
It sounded like a quite interesting life and it made me think if I should maybe study in a foreign country. I never considered this, even though I used to be around so many people that studied abroad.
But I think this is something to consider later. I want to focus on my travels now.

We ordered some food, ate and laughed together, drank some wine, which was such a swiss gesture, and I asked some questions about Taiwan.
From Vivi and Matthieu I know now, that taiwanese people are very friendly and open and they don't follow strict practices and rules. For example, you wouldn't be considered rude if you do something different in a temple as the locals would do - everybody has their own way to pray.

Which I saw firsthand when I visited a temple the next day. There where a lot of people praying and even without my face, my fit check (a cap, a funny pack slung across and sunglasses hanging on my shirt), screamed foreigner/tourist.
The woman working there still showed me very friendly where I can stand to pray and even though I didn't go in there to pray, I still folded my hands and prayed.
I prayed for the weather to be better next week. Because this is the week I will be starting my bicycle tour and even though I have a rain jacket, I still don't want to get rained on.
Maybe you guys can pray with me.Read more